A major overhaul of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) under the Labour government might strip Personal Independence Payment (PIP) eligibility from 87 health conditions, experts warn, as disability benefits reforms loom.
PIP, claimed by 3.6 million people, is a key UK benefit for those with long-term physical or mental health issues that hinder daily tasks or mobility. It’s available regardless of employment status and isn’t means-tested. Currently, PIP payments hinge on two components—daily living and mobility—offered at standard or enhanced rates based on need, ranging from £28.70 to £184.30 weekly.
Proposed changes could reshape access for people with 87 conditions, such as chronic pain, mobility issues, and musculoskeletal disorders like osteoarthritis, chronic pain syndrome, and inflammatory arthritis, potentially tightening eligibility rules. New DWP research shows 44% of claimants with mental health conditions feel they could work if their health improves, fueling calls for reform.
Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall MP has slammed the existing system for labeling health and disability benefit claimants as “can’t work,” sidelining them from employment opportunities despite their pleas for support. “This is a serious failure,” she said, arguing it harms individuals, businesses, and the economy. She’s especially worried about young people, warning that joblessness can leave “a scarring effect that lasts a lifetime.”
Kendall is pushing for a rethink, aiming to give those with long-term conditions “a fair chance and choice to work” through better support structures.
FAQ’s
What changes are coming to Personal Independence Payment (PIP)?
The Labour government’s Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) overhaul might remove PIP eligibility for 87 health conditions as part of upcoming disability benefits reforms, potentially tightening access for claimants.
What is PIP and who claims it?
PIP is a key UK benefit for 3.6 million people with long-term physical or mental health conditions that affect daily tasks or mobility. It’s available regardless of work status and isn’t means-tested, with payments ranging from £28.70 to £184.30 weekly.
How is PIP currently structured?
PIP has two components—daily living and mobility—each paid at a standard or enhanced rate based on severity. This creates four payment levels to help cover extra living costs for those with qualifying conditions.
Which conditions could be affected by the reforms?
The changes could impact 87 conditions, including chronic pain, mobility issues, and musculoskeletal disorders like osteoarthritis, chronic pain syndrome, and inflammatory arthritis, with stricter eligibility rules possible.
Why is the government considering these changes?
DWP research shows 44% of claimants with mental health conditions believe they could work if their health improves. Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall calls the current system a ‘serious failure’ for labeling people as ‘can’t work’ and ignoring their need for support.
What does Liz Kendall want to achieve?
Kendall aims to overhaul support for those with long-term conditions, especially young people, to avoid the ‘scarring effect’ of joblessness. She wants to offer ‘a fair chance and choice to work’ through better systems.